rebuff

verb

re·​buff ri-ˈbəf How to pronounce rebuff (audio)
rebuffed; rebuffing; rebuffs

transitive verb

: to reject or criticize sharply : snub
rebuff noun

Did you know?

Many English verbs begin with the prefix re-, meaning “again” or “backward,” so we wouldn’t criticize you for drawing a connection between rebuff and buff, a verb meaning “to polish or shine.” But rebuff would beg to differ: this word comes to us from the Middle French verb rebuffer, which traces back to the Old Italian ribuffare, meaning “to reprimand.” (Buff, in contrast, comes from the Middle French noun buffle, meaning “wild ox”). A similar word, rebuke, shares the “criticize” sense of rebuff, but not the “reject” sense; one can rebuke another’s actions or policies, but one does not rebuke the advances of another, for example. Like rebuke, rebuff can also be used as a noun, as in “The proposal was met with a stern rebuff from the Board of Trustees.”

Examples of rebuff in a Sentence

Our suggestion was immediately rebuffed. The company rebuffed the bid. She rebuffed him when he asked her for a date.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her mother attempted to enroll her in Chinese-language lessons attended by a handful of adoptees in town, but Mia rebuffed the idea. Barbara Demick, New Yorker, 23 May 2025 In dismissing the lawsuit, the court rebuffed that assertion, finding that both sides agreed for Zero Gravity alone to be McLeod’s manager. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 Three counties had passed resolutions in favor of open primaries, but McKinney and other activists were rebuffed by party leadership. John Opdycke, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025 With mounting casualties and a strained economy, the Kremlin undoubtedly wants to avoid pushing an angry and rebuffed Trump towards restoring and possibly redoubling US support for the Ukrainian war effort. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuff

Word History

Etymology

Middle French rebuffer, from Old Italian ribuffare to reprimand, from ribuffo reprimand

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuff was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuff. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

rebuff

1 of 2 verb
re·​buff
ri-ˈbəf
: to refuse or check sharply
the suggestion was rebuffed

rebuff

2 of 2 noun
: a refusal to meet an advance or offer

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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